Historical Theology (Dr. Allison): Church in the Middle Ages (574ff.)

Historical Theology (Dr. Allison): Church in the Middle Ages (574ff.). Thomas Aquinas, a celebrated philosopher and theologian, is known for his significant contribution to the concept of viewing the church from three distinct perspectives. He proposed that the church could be perceived as the church militant, which symbolizes the church at war and fighting, the church triumphant, which represents saints in heaven, and the church expectant, which signifies Purgatory, where people expect further cleansing and transfer to heaven. Aquinas was renowned for his opposition to Rome's growing involvement in secular matters such as government, economics, power grabs by Popes, and the growing immorality. This conflict with Rome led to the emergence of new ecclesiologies, each with its unique perspective on the church and its governance. For instance, Joachim's apocalyptic vision of the Old Testament, New Testament, and a new age with hermits and preachers, was one of the ecclesiologies that emerged during this time. The Albigensian/Cathari model advocated for independence from Rome. Rome exterminated them. More can be said and more research would help. The Waldensians rejected the authority of the Pope and bishops, as well as the beliefs in purgatory, masses for the deceased, and prayers to saints who had passed away. However, they still permitted laypeople to lead their churches. Archbishop Matthew Parker traced the origin of the truly visible Church of England to the Waldensians and Wycliffians. Wycliffe was a prominent theologian in the 14th century who emphasized the Augustinian idea of the visible and invisible church. He believed that Christ was the sole Head of the Church, was present everywhere, and that the concept of Petrine supremacy was false. According to Wycliffe, the Papacy's claim to Headship was a denial of Christ's Headship, and he considered the Popes as Antichrists. During the Renaissance period, new religious beliefs emerged in Rome which presented different ideas about the power and authority of the Pope. While some believed that the Pope alone was infallible and indefectible, others thought that he should be accompanied by Cardinals. Some even believed that the Pope, cardinals, and council should have equal power, or that councils should have power above the Pope. These conflicting beliefs about the empirical church created a lot of tension and controversy, making it an ideal time for reformation to take place.